Valsecchi aims for F1 future

Davide Valsecchi says he hopes that his test driver role with Lotus will be the springboard to an F1 race seat in future

Davide Valsecchi says he is eager to make the most of his role with Lotus this season to try and work towards an F1 race seat.

While 2012 rivals Luiz Razia, Esteban Gutierrez, Max Chilton and Giedo van der Garde have all taken race seats for the season ahead, Valsecchi has found himself left with a test driver role with the Enstone-based team.

Although that means he won't be gaining experience in a racing environment, Valsecchi will get the chance to work alongside Lotus race drivers Kimi Raikkonen and the 24-year-old said he hoped it would help lead him towards a place on the grid for 2014.

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"I'm obviously very happy that the team wants to have me here and look forward to the future," he was quoted as telling motorsport-magazin. "I hope this is the great start to my career in Formula One. I was at the first test in Jerez with the team and it was great being involved with the work at the track.

"I certainly hope that I'm going step by step towards a full-time drive in Formula One. I now have this great opportunity with Lotus and I will do my best whenever the team needs something from me and whenever I get the chance I will show my best qualities.

"I definitely see my role as the next step. Last year I won GP2 so the next target is Formula One."